ECSP Accessibility

General information about accessibility in Geneva

Airport access

The Geneva Airport is largely accessible to persons with disabilities. The airport is well connected by public transport. There are regular trains connecting the airport to Gare Cornavin (the train station). Bus routes 5 and 10 connect with the airport. For more information other bus routes, you can consult the Geneva Airport website at http://www.gva.ch/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-67/

If using public transport on arrival, you should remember to get a free public transport ticket that is valid for 80 minutes. The free ticket machine is located in the baggage claim area, just before the exit to the main arrival hall.

For persons using wheelchairs, the bus is a better option to and from the airport as the trains are usually not accessible. To use the train you are required to book special assistance at least an hour in advance for assist in boarding and getting off the train. However, no special notice is needed to use the bus. The bus stop is located at level E (Enregistrement, in French, departure level). From the arrival lounge take the lift to level E, exit out of the terminal and go toward the left for about 15 meters. Cross the road over the pedestrian crossing and you will reach the bus stop.

At the time of departure you may take bus route 5 to the airport from the Gare Cornavin bus stop.

Accessibility in public transport

Most hotels in Geneva will give you a free transport card. This card will allow you to travel for free on bus, tram, and boat in Geneva. If you do not have a free transport card, then you should buy your ticket from the machine before you get on the bus/tram/boat. Please be aware that not all ticket machines provide change.

Most trams and buses are accessible and the Geneva transport authority is constantly replacing inaccessible vessels with accessible ones. However, on any route if there is an inaccessible bus or tram that you encounter, then ask the driver when the next accessible bus or tram will be arriving, and she or he may call the dispatcher to find out.

While there is a button to press to indicate to the driver that a person with disabilities wishes to board, you need to indicate to the bus driver directly that you wish to board the bus. The driver will come and open the ramp so that you can enter. Let the driver know the stop where you want to get off. For the tram, while it is completely accessible, it is better to get into the carriage right behind the driver as those are indicated as accessible. Moreover, the driver can provide assistance if required.

Mobilité pour tous (Mobility for All) is a programme in partnership with Geneva Public Transport service network that provides free service to enable persons with vision impairments or walking difficulties (not wheelchair users) to travel on public transport network with a guide. The guides mostly speak only French.

The service is available from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. You need to book the assistance 48 hours in advance. Tel.: +41 22 328 11 11. More details if the programme are available in French at: http://www.tpg.ch/services-en-plus.

Taxi services

Regular taxis must be reserved in advance, as they cannot be hailed in the street. Tel.: +41 22 331 41 33.